Parallelogram ski brace assembly

ABSTRACT

A parallelogram ski brace assembly operational with skis to maintain the skis parallel relative to each, and in close proximity to each other as the skis move laterally and in an up-and-down motion is useful for skiers with impaired lower extremity control. A pair of ski plates detachably locks into the skis. Pair of boot plates receives the boots of the skier. A pair of risers joins the ski plate to the boot plate, clearing the boot plate from the skis. A pair of lateral bars terminates at a pair of terminal apertures. Two pairs of vertical axles extend through the terminal apertures, and rotate about the lateral bars. Two pairs of linkage bars extend horizontally between the vertical axles. The linkage bars enable two degrees of freedom so that the skis remain in proximity, parallel, and move vertically relative to each other.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a parallelogram ski brace assembly. More so, the present invention relates to a ski brace assembly that is operational with a pair of skis to maintain the skis parallel relative to each other during operation while the skis are free to move laterally and in an up-an-down motion, so as to facilitate operation of the skis for skiers with impaired lower extremity control; whereby the assembly provides a pair of ski plates that releasably lock into a pair of ski bindings or otherwise attach to a pair of skis; a pair of boot plates receive the boots of the skier; a pair of risers join the ski plate to the boot plate, and elevate the boot plate above the skis and ski bindings; a pair of lateral bars join with the risers, are disposed generally parallel with the skis; two pairs of vertical axles extend through, and are rotatable about the lateral bars; two pairs of linkage bars extend horizontally between the two pair of vertical axles, rotating and pivoting about the vertical axles via joints; whereby the linkage bars and lateral bars have two degrees of freedom; and whereby the lateral bars, the vertical axles, and the linkage bars form parallelograms of varying relative dimensions while skiing, so as to maintain the skis in parallel planes, and also allow the skis to move vertically relative to each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Typically, skiing is a means of transport, a recreational activity, or a competitive winter sport in which the participant uses skis to glide on snow, ice, water, or a smooth and slick surface. The skis used for skiing may include a pair of long, slender runners made of wood, plastic, or metal used in gliding over snow. A pair of ski poles may also be used to propel the skier forward and help in turning. The skis are also effective for matriculating across an uneven terrain, such as a mountain slope or a forest trail.

Often, people who participate in outdoor activities learn to ski because it offers exercise and excitement. However, not everyone can learn to ski, particularly where physical handicaps are involved. Limitations to the lower extremities of the body are especially difficult to overcome, since much of the power to move and turn is generated in the lower body. Further, people who may not have time to learn to ski would still like to periodically enjoy riding down a hill like a skier but without having to stand up and balance on a pair of skis.

Other proposals have involved braces for assisting a skier to ski. The problem with these ski-assistance devices is that they do not provide a smooth enough motion that translates well with the movement of the skis on the terrain. Also, these devices are difficult to attach and detach from the skis. Even though the above cited braces for assisting a skier to ski meets some of the needs of the market, a parallelogram ski brace assembly that is operational with a pair of skis to maintain the skis parallel relative to each, and in close proximity to each other as the skis move laterally and up-an-down motion, is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a parallelogram ski brace assembly. The parallelogram ski brace assembly is operational with a pair of skis to maintain the skis parallel relative to each, and in close proximity to each other as the skis move laterally and up-an-down motion. The parallelogram ski brace assembly also works to maintain the edges of the skis in constant contact with the terrain through a unique linkage mechanism that allows for stabilized lateral and vertical movements of the skis. The parallelogram ski brace assembly is effective for helping facilitate operation of the skis for skiers with impaired lower extremity control and by keeping the knees in parallel planes protects the knees in the event of loss of control.

In some embodiments, the ski brace assembly may include a pair of skis that are generally elongated, slender, and have a slight bow to enhance gliding over a slick surface. The skis may include a toe binding and a heel binding. The assembly further provides a pair of ski plates that lock into a correlating pair of toe and heel bindings in the skis. The ski plate is releasable from the skis in the event of excessive torsional force; thereby protecting the skier's knees and hips.

The ski brace assembly further comprises a pair of boot plates that are sized and dimensioned to mate with the boots of the skier through a fixed heel locking mechanism and a rotary cam toe lock. Separate locking and unlocking levers enable detachable attachment of the boots to the boot plate. The levers can be engaged with a skiing pole to enable easy separation of the skis from the rest of the components.

The ski brace assembly further comprises a pair of risers that join the ski plate to the boot plate. The risers elevate the boot plate, so as to elevate the skier and clear the boot plate from the toe binding and heel binding of the skis.

The ski brace assembly further comprises a pair of lateral bars that terminate at a pair of terminal apertures. The lateral bars are attached to the risers, and are disposed generally parallel with the skis. The lateral bars form a parallelogram link mechanism with two pair of linkage bars, as discussed below, so as to enable lateral and up-and-down articulation in conjunction with the movement of the skis.

The ski brace assembly further comprises two pairs of vertical axles extending through the terminal apertures in the lateral bars. The vertical axles are defined by a boot end and a ski end. The ski end passes through the apertures in the lateral bars, and is rotatable about the lateral bars.

The ski brace assembly further comprises two pairs of linkage bars. The linkage bars extend between the two pair of vertical axles. The linkage bars may include a first pair of linkage bars disposed towards the front of the skis, and a second pair of linkage bars disposed towards the rear of the skis. The linkage bars are defined by a first end that terminates at a first aperture and a first joint; and a second end that terminates at a second aperture and a second joint. In one exemplary embodiment, the linkage bars is a mechanically the arrangement of linkage bars is a universal joint which provides two degrees of freedom.

The first and second apertures in the linkage bars enable passage of the boot end of the vertical axles. In this manner, the linkage bars rotate freely about the vertical axles. Further, the first and second joints allow the ends of the linkage bars to pivot freely in an up and down motion. In this manner, the joints enable the linkage bar and the lateral bars to have two degrees of freedom.

The two degrees of freedom include: 1) a rotation by the lateral bars and linkage bars about the vertical axles; and 2) an up-and-down pivoting motion by the linkage bars relative to vertical axles. These two degrees of freedom allow the linkage bars and the attached lateral bars to form parallelograms of varying relative dimensions.

Thus, as the skis move along uneven terrain and the skier turns, the skis are maintained parallel to each other and in parallel planes, the skis remain in proximity to each other, and the skis move freely vertically relative to each other. Also, the length of the linkage bars limits excessive lateral separation between the skis, so as to maintain proximity between the skis.

In one aspect, a parallelogram ski brace assembly, comprises:

-   a pair of skis; -   a pair of ski plates detachably attachable to the skis, the ski     plates disposed in a coplanar, parallel relationship with the skis; -   a pair of boot plates disposed in a coplanar, parallel relationship     with the ski plates; -   two pairs of risers extending between the ski plates and the boot     plates, whereby the boot plates are elevated above the skis; -   a pair of lateral bars defined by a pair of terminal apertures at a     termini, the lateral bars joined with the risers and disposed in a     generally parallel relationship with the ski plates; two pairs of     vertical axles disposed generally perpendicular to the lateral     plates, the vertical axles defined by a boot end and a ski end, the     ski end passing through the terminal apertures in the lateral bars,     whereby the lateral bars are fixed to the vertical axles; and -   two pairs of linkage bars extending between the vertical axles, the     linkage bars defined by a first end comprising a first joint and     forming a first aperture, the linkage bars further defined by a     second end comprising a second joint and forming a second aperture, -   the first and second apertures enabling passage of the boot end of     the vertical axles, whereby the linkage bars are rotatable about the     vertical axles, -   the first and second joints being pivotable, whereby the linkage     bars pivot in an up and down motion relative to the vertical axles, -   whereby the linkage bar and the lateral bars move with two degrees     of freedom, -   whereby the lateral bars and the linkage bars form parallelograms of     varying relative dimensions, so as to enable stabilized lateral     translation of the skis. -   whereby the vertical axles and the linkage bars form parallelograms     of varying relative dimensions, so as to enable stabilized vertical     translation of the skis.

In another aspect, the pair of skis comprises a toe binding and a heel binding.

In another aspect, further comprising a pair of ISO5335-2005 compliant boots, the ISO5335-2005 compliant boots joined with the pair of ski plates.

In another aspect, the risers have a curved L-shape.

In another aspect, the vertical axles have a cylindrical shape.

In another aspect, the joints pivot in an up and down movement with respect to the ski plates.

In another aspect, the two pairs of linkage bars are disposed such that one pair of linkage bars is forward of the ski plates, and a second pair of linkage bars are rearward of the ski plates.

In another aspect, the skis are snow skis.

In another aspect, the assembly is fabricated from at least one of the following: fiberglass, aluminum, steel, titanium, metal alloys, wood, and a polymer.

One objective of the present invention is to help handicap skiers operate a pair of skis, and especially maintain the skier's feet close and parallel to each other while maneuvering the skis.

Another objective is to maintain the joint motion planes of the knee joints parallel, protecting them from lateral stress. This is especially important in the event of a fall or other accident.

Another objective is to maintain the skis parallel to each other.

Another objective is to maintain the feet and knees close and parallel, so as to transmit energy to the hips and upper body. This is because the hips are ball and socket joints with strong musculature and ligaments relative to the knees and can better absorb energy without significant damage. This is especially important in the event of a fall or other accident.

Another objective is to transmit energy to the upper body since the upper body is free to rotate absorbing energy. This is especially important in the event of a fall or other accident.

Yet another objective is to maintain ski edges at same angle of contact with the terrain.

Yet another objective is to enable the skis to adjust to variations in the terrain.

Yet another objective is to use the ski brace assembly with standard (ISO 5355-2005 compliant) skis and ski boots.

Yet another objective is to release the ski brace assembly from the skis in the event of excessive torsional force, while maintaining connectivity with the boots, so as to protect the skier's knees and hips.

Yet another objective is to lock and unlock the ski brace assembly from the skis with a ski pole while in a standing position; and thereby require no bending or sitting. The ski brace assembly can also be easily fastened and detached from the skis while in a sitting position if more comfortable for the skier.

Yet another objective is to reduce the work of skiing and susceptibility to variations in terrain by maintaining the skis close to each other. The ski brace assembly helps keep the skis close during turns and prevents the skis from separating too far when skiing straight. However when skiing down a slope the skier should always be in a gentle turn on the edges.

Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary ski brace assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a frontal view of the ski brace assembly shown in FIG. 1, facing forward, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the ski brace assembly shown in FIG. 1, facing to the left, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a frontal view of the ski brace assembly shown in FIG. 1, facing to the right, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the ski brace assembly shown in FIG. 1, facing forward, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the ski brace assembly shown in FIG. 1, facing to the left, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the ski brace assembly shown in FIG. 1, facing to the right, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a frontal view of a skier operating the ski brace assembly shown in FIG. 1, and maintaining the edges of the skis on the terrain while skiing forward, to the left, and to the right, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a skier operating the ski brace assembly shown in FIG. 1, where the right ski is higher than the left ski, and the legs have different levels of extension, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the ski brace assembly, showing a T-bar extending from the linkage bars, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A parallelogram ski brace assembly 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1-10. The parallelogram ski brace assembly 100, hereafter “assembly 100” is operational with a pair of skis 102 a, 102 b to maintain the skis parallel relative to each through use of a unique linkage mechanism that allows for stabilized lateral and vertical movements of the skis 102 a-b.

Assembly 100 uses a mechanical linkage to keep the skis parallel and in lateral and longitudinal proximity to each other. Assembly 100 also works to maintain the edges of the skis 102 a-b in constant contact with the terrain. In this manner, skis 102 a-b can more freely adjust to the vertical and sloped variations in the terrain, including a mountainous, snow laden terrain. Suitable materials for the assembly 100 may include, without limitation, fiberglass, aluminum, steel, titanium, metal alloys, wood, and a polymer.

Assembly 100 is especially effective for helping facilitate operation of the skis 102 a-b for a skier 300 with impaired lower extremity control. This may include skiers with single or double below knee amputations, single and possibly double above knee amputations, persons with cerebral palsy, persons with mild spina bifida, and persons with neuropathy. In one exemplary embodiment, assembly 100 is an assistive alpine skiing device for persons with impaired lower extremity control. Assembly 100 can be used by anyone who can stand and shift their weight side to side and turn their upper body. Assembly 100 is compatible with unmodified ISO5355-2005 skis and ski boots.

As referenced in FIG. 1, assembly 100 may include a pair of skis 102 a-b. Skis 102 a-b are generally elongated, slender, and have a slight bow to enhance gliding over a slick surface. Those skilled in the art will recognize that skiing can be a means of transport, a recreational activity or a competitive winter sport in which the participant uses skis to glide on snow, ice, water, or a smooth and slick surface. The skis used for skiing may include a pair of long, slender runners made of wood, plastic, or metal used in gliding over snow. The skis are also effective for matriculating across an uneven terrain, such as a mountain slope or a forest trail.

As illustrated, a forward end of the skis is oriented towards the face of the skier 300, while a rearward end of the skis is oriented towards the rear of the skier 300. In one embodiment, skis 102 a-b are integrated into assembly 100. However in other embodiments, assembly 100 is adapted to detachably attach to any universal type of ski. In any case, assembly 100 provides an assistive skiing device operational with skis 102 a-b.

Turning now to FIG. 2, assembly 100 provides a pair of ski plates 104 a, 104 b that engage the skis 102 a-b in a parallel, coplanar relationship. In one embodiment, a left ski plate 104 a engages a left ski 102 a, while a right ski plate 104 b engages a right ski 102 b. Ski plates 104 a-b are elongated and have a generally oval shape. Ski plates 104 a-b detachably locks into the toe and heel bindings that form in the skis. In this manner, ski plate 104 a-b is releasable from the skis. Skis 102 a-b release from ski plates 104 a-b during excessive torsional force utilizing the safety release feature of the ski bindings. However, the boot plates 106 a-b remain attached to the skier's boots 136 a-b, protecting the skier's knees and hips. It is significant to note that, technically it is boot plate that is attached to the boots but the ski plate is also connected to the boots through the risers and boot plate.

In one embodiment, boot plates 106 a-b easily lock and unlock from boot 136 a-b through use of a fastening mechanism that can be operated with a pointed member such as a ski pole. Thus, a ski pole can lock and unlock boot plate 106 a-b from the boots 136 a-b while the skier 300 is in a standing position. In this manner the skier 300 is not required to bend or sit, so as to remove the boots from the assembly 100. However, boot plates 106 a-b can also be easily fastened and detached from the skis while in a sitting position if more comfortable for the skier 300.

As shown in FIG. 3, assembly 100 also provides a pair of boot plates 106 a-b. Boot plates 106 a-b engage a pair of boots 136 a-b worn by skier 300. A left boot plate 106 a engages a left boot 136 a, while a right boot plate 106 b engages a right boot 136 b. Boot plates 106 a-b are elongated and have a generally oval shape; similar to ski plates 104 a-b. Boot plates 106 a-b and ski plates 104 a-b have a parallel, coplanar, spaced-apart relationship.

In some embodiments, boot plates 106 a-b comprise a fixed heel locking mechanism and a rotary cam toe lock with separate locking and unlocking levers. The levers are free floating in the nonoperational direction. The locking lever cannot be used to unlock the toe binding from the ski plate 104 a-b. The unlocking lever is in a protected position directly in front of the boot. If struck by an object while skiing, the unlocking lever will not unlock the toe binding.

Further, the rear fixed locking mechanism can me moved to different positions to accommodate different size boots 136 a-b. In one embodiment, the boots 136 a-b fixedly attach to the boot plate. The boots 136 a-b may include snow boots that are rigid, so as to keep the ankles of the skier 300 in a straight position. Specifically, because of the rigidity of the ski boots 136 a-b the ankle cannot change its angle and all adjustment occurs at the hip and knee resulting in the boot and ski on the shorter leg moving forward relative to the extended leg. In some embodiments, boots 136 a-b may include an ISO5335-2005 compliant ski boots.

Looking now at FIG. 4, assembly 100 also provides risers 108 a-b that extend between ski plates 104 a-b and boot plates 106 a-b. Risers 108 a-b may have a generally curved L-shape that fixedly fits between the ski plates 104 a-b and the boot plates 106 a-b. Risers 108 a-b allow the boot plates 106 a-b to clear the toe and heel bindings of the skis. Risers 108 a-b may have an elongated slightly bowed configuration with an adjustable height, so as to accommodate differently sized skiers. There is a left set of riser 108 a,c and a set of right risers 108 b,d that have substantially the same shape and dimensions.

The top view of FIG. 5 illustrates that assembly 100 also comprises a pair of lateral bars 110 a-b, which form a part of the mechanical linkage used to enable smooth lateral and up-and-down translation with the skis 102 a-b. Lateral bars 110 a-b terminate at a termini 112 a, 112 b, 112 c, 112 d where a pair of terminal apertures 114 a, 114 b, 114 c, 114 d form. Lateral bars 110 a-b are attached to the risers 108 a-b, and are disposed generally parallel with the ski plates 104 a-b. The linkage bars limit longitudinal and lateral separation of the skis.

In some embodiments, assembly 100 may further comprise two pairs of vertical axles 116 a-d that are disposed perpendicularly to the ski plates 104 a-b. Vertical axles 116 a-d extend through the terminal apertures 114 a-d in the lateral bars 110 a-b. In one embodiment, four vertical axles 116 a, 116 b, 116 c, 116 d are provided with two sets of axles 116 a, 116 b towards the front of assembly 100, and two sets of vertical axles 116 c, 116 d towards the rear. Vertical axles 116 a-d are defined by a boot end 118 a, 118 b and a ski end 120 a, 120 b. Ski end 120 a, 120 b passes through terminal apertures 114 a-d in the lateral bars 110 a-b, and is rotatable about the lateral bars 110 a-b. This rotation allows lateral bars 110 a-b to translate in a swaying side to side motion in conjunction with the movement of skis 102 a-b across terrain.

Assembly 100 further comprises two pairs of linkage bars 122 a-d that extend between the vertical axles 116 a-d. Linkage bars 122 a-d are both rotatable and pivotable in an up-and-down motion, so as to enable two degrees of freedom. Also, the length of the linkage bars 122 a-d limits excessive lateral separation of the skis 102 a-b, so as to maintain proximity between the skis. This degree of freedom enables skis 102 a-b to remain in proximity, parallel, and move vertically relative to each other.

In one embodiment, four linkage bars 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d extend between the two pair of vertical axles 116 a-d—two linkage bars 122 a, 122 b towards the front of assembly 100 and above ski plates 104 a, 104 b, and two linkage bars 122 c, 122 d towards the rear of assembly 100 and above ski plates 104 c, 104 d.

Linkage bars 122 a, 122 b are defined by a first end 124 a, 124 b that terminates at a first aperture 126 a, 126 b and a first joint 128 a, 128 b. Linkage bars 122 c, 122 d are defined by a second end 134 a, 134 b that terminates at a second aperture 130 b and a second joint 132 b. Both first and second apertures 130 a, 130 b in the linkage bars 122 a-d enable passage of boot end 118 a, 118 b of vertical axles 116 a-d. In this manner, linkage bars 122 a-d rotate freely about the vertical axles 116 a-d.

Furthermore, first and second joints 132 a, 132 b connect the ends 124 a-b, 134 a-b of linkage bars 122 a-d to vertical axles 116 a-d. First and second joints 128 a-b, 132 a-b enable the linkage bars 122 a-d to pivot freely in an up and down motion relative to the vertical axles 116 a-d. Thus, joints 128 a-b, 132 a-b in the linkage bars 122 a-d, and the apertures 114 a-d, 126 a-b, 130 a-b in the linkage and lateral bars that receive the vertical axles 116 a-d enable the parallelogram linkage mechanism to articulate in two degrees of freedom.

The two degrees of freedom include: 1) a rotation by linkage bars 122 a-d about the vertical axles; and 2) an up-and-down pivoting motion by the linkage bars 122 a-d relative to vertical axles 116 a-d. These two degrees of freedom allow linkage bars 122 a-d and the attached lateral bars 110 a-b to form parallelograms of varying relative dimensions as the skis move along the terrain.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a top view of assembly articulating in such a manner between a left and right direction. As shown, a front and rear parallelogram changes in shape to maintain skis 102 a-b in close, parallel planes, while also allowing skis 102 a-b to move vertically relative to one another. It is significant to note that in this configuration, skis 102 a-b are in proximity to each other, as the length of the linkage bars 122 a-d minimize excessive separation by skis 102 a-b. This translation allows skis 102 a-b to adjust to slope and terrain variations while keeping them parallel and at the same edging angle.

Furthermore, it is significant to note that the parallelogram shape formed by lateral bars 110 a-b and linkage bars 122 a-d are free to rotate about the vertical axles 116 a-d, so that the skis may be brought closer or further apart in a smooth circular arc. This unique articulation of skis 102 a-b is effective for maintaining the feet and knees close and parallel, and in the event of a fall protect the knees and transmit energy to the hips and upper body. The hips are ball and socket joints with strong musculature and ligaments relative to the knees and can better absorb energy without significant damage.

For example, FIG. 8 illustrates skier 300 skiing laterally along the terrain, with the left and right boots 136 a-b moving in conjunction with the linkage bars 122 a-d and lateral bars 110 a-b. This tight articulation of the skis allows the edges of the skis to remain in contact with the terrain. In this manner, assembly 100 helps reduce the likelihood of falls and serious injury, and also reduces stress and torque to the lower extremities.

The mechanical linkage between lateral bars 110 a-b and linkage bars 122 a-d maintains the skis 102 a-b parallel and engaged at their edges with the terrain at the same angle, while still allowing the skis 102 a-b to articulate and adjust to the slope and variations of the terrain. Thus, as the skis 102 a-b move along uneven terrain, and the skier 300 turns, the skis are maintained in parallel planes, each ski 102 a-b remains in proximity to the other, gliding in a free vertically motion relative to each other.

Turning now to the illustration of the skiing motion illustrated in FIG. 9, as the skier 300 turns, the right ski 102 b is higher than the left ski 102 a. Consequently, the skier's legs are extended at different lengths. However, the first and second joints 132 a, 132 b pivot in the up and down motion to compensate for this difference in elevation. Furthermore, because of the rigidity of the ski boots 136 a-b, the ankle cannot change its angle and adjustments to the variation in elevation occurs at the hip and knee. Further, the parallelogram rotates slightly to accommodate the variance in elevation. This results in the boot and ski on the shorter leg moving forward relative to the extended leg. Consequently, the skier 300 feels less stress on the legs, which is advantageous for a skier 300 suffering with impaired lower extremity control.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment to the ski brace assembly 200. In this embodiment of assembly 200, a T-bar 202 is integrated to the front linkage bar 122 a to allow a skier 300 to use the upper extremities to assist in controlling the skis. The use of a T-bar 202 is effective for enhanced control of the skis 102 a-b. A front T bar would allow the skier to control his weight distribution on the skis with his arms and assist in controlling turns.

In other embodiments, T-bar 202 may also have a lower fork that connects to both ends of the linkage bar 122 a, or linkage bar 122 b, for additional control of the linkage mechanism. However any extension member, including the T-bar 202, which connects to the linkage bars 122 a-b for directional control of the skis may be used in this alternative embodiment. In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a rear support member, or butt rest, attaches to the rear linkage bars to support a partial sitting posture of the skier.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A parallelogram ski brace assembly, the assembly comprising: a pair of skis; a pair of ski plates detachably attachable to the skis, the ski plates disposed in a coplanar, parallel relationship with the skis; a pair of boot plates disposed in a coplanar, parallel relationship with the ski plates; two pairs of risers extending between the ski plates and the boot plates, whereby the boot plates are elevated above the skis; a pair of lateral bars defined by a pair of terminal apertures at a termini, the lateral bars joined with the risers and disposed in a generally parallel relationship with the ski plates; two pairs of vertical axles disposed generally perpendicular to the ski plates, the vertical axles defined by a boot end and a ski end, the ski end passing through the terminal apertures in the lateral bars, whereby the lateral bars are rotatable about the vertical axles; and two pairs of linkage bars extending between the vertical axles, the linkage bars defined by a first end comprising a first joint and forming a first aperture, the linkage bars further defined by a second end comprising a second joint and forming a second aperture, the first and second apertures enabling passage of the boot end of the vertical axles, whereby the linkage bars rotate about the vertical axles, the first and second joints being pivotable, whereby the linkage bars pivot in an up and down motion relative to the vertical axles, whereby the linkage bar and the lateral bars articulate with two degrees of freedom, whereby the lateral bars and the linkage bars form parallelograms of varying relative dimensions, so as to enable stabilized lateral and vertical translation of the skis.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ski plates are elongated and flat.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the boot plates are elongated and flat.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of skis comprises a toe binding and a heel binding.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pair of boots joined with the pair of ski plates.
 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the pair of boots are ISO5335-2005 compliant boots.
 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the risers have a curved L-shape.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the vertical axles are fixed to the lateral bars and the linkage bars rotate about the vertical axles.
 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the joints pivot in an up and down movement with respect to the ski plates.
 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the two pairs of linkage bars are disposed such that one pair of linkage bars is forward of the ski plates, and a second pair of linkage bars are rearward of the ski plates.
 11. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a T-bar extending from the linkage bars.
 12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is fabricated from at least one of the following: fiberglass, aluminum, steel, titanium, metal alloys, wood, and a polymer.
 13. A parallelogram ski brace assembly, the assembly comprising: a pair of ski plates; a pair of boot plates disposed in a coplanar, parallel relationship with the ski plates; two pairs of risers extending between the ski plates and the boot plates, whereby the boot plates are elevated above the skis; a pair of lateral bars defined by a pair of terminal apertures at a termini, the lateral bars joined with the risers and disposed in a generally parallel relationship with the ski plates; two pairs of vertical axles disposed generally perpendicular to the ski plates, the vertical axles defined by a boot end and a ski end, the ski end passing through the terminal apertures in the lateral bars, whereby the lateral bars are rotatable about the vertical axles; and two pairs of linkage bars extending between the vertical axles, the linkage bars defined by a first end comprising a first joint and forming a first aperture, the linkage bars further defined by a second end comprising a second joint and forming a second aperture, the first and second apertures enabling passage of the boot end of the vertical axles, whereby the linkage bars rotate about the vertical axles, the first and second joints being pivotable, whereby the linkage bars pivot in an up and down motion relative to the vertical axles, whereby the vertical axles are fixed to the lateral bars and the linkage bars rotate about the vertical axles, whereby the linkage bar and the lateral bars articulate with two degrees of freedom, whereby the lateral bars and the linkage bars form parallelograms of varying relative dimensions, so as to enable stabilized lateral and vertical translation of the skis.
 14. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising a pair of skis.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the ski plates are detachably attachable to the skis.
 16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the ski plates disposed in a coplanar, parallel relationship with the skis.
 17. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising a pair of boots joined with the pair of ski plates.
 18. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising a T-bar extending from the linkage bars.
 19. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the joints pivot in an up and down movement with respect to the ski plates.
 20. A parallelogram ski brace assembly, the assembly consisting of: a pair of skis; a pair of ski plates detachably attachable to the skis, the ski plates disposed in a coplanar, parallel relationship with the skis; a pair of boot plates disposed in a coplanar, parallel relationship with the ski plates; two pairs of risers extending between the ski plates and the boot plates, whereby the boot plates are elevated above the skis; a pair of lateral bars defined by a pair of terminal apertures at a termini, the lateral bars joined with the risers and disposed in a generally parallel relationship with the ski plates; two pairs of vertical axles disposed generally perpendicular to the ski plates, the vertical axles defined by a boot end and a ski end, the ski end passing through the terminal apertures in the lateral bars, whereby the lateral bars rotate about the vertical axles; two pairs of linkage bars extending between the vertical axles, the linkage bars defined by a first end comprising a first joint and forming a first aperture, the linkage bars further defined by a second end comprising a second joint and forming a second aperture, the first and second apertures enabling passage of the boot end of the vertical axles, whereby the linkage bars rotate about the vertical axles, the first and second joints being pivotable in an up and down movement with respect to the ski plates, whereby the first and second ends of the linkage bars pivot in an up and down motion relative to the vertical axles, whereby the linkage bar and the lateral bars articulate with two degrees of freedom, whereby the lateral bars and the linkage bars form parallelograms of varying relative dimensions, so as to enable stabilized lateral and vertical translation of the skis; and a pair of boots joined with the pair of ski plates. 